Without realizing it, we have started a tradition of starting the New Year in winter wonderland.  For the third year, we went cross country skiing in the North Cascades of WA.  The Methow Valley is home to the largest area of groomed cross country ski trails in North America. It’s also one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited.

The first part of the trip was brutally cold with temperatures well below freezing. It’s hard to believe it was too cold to snow. Later in the trip the temperatures warmed, dropping heavy wet snow that hung in the trees until the branches broke off and tumbled to the ground.

I found myself drawn to the snow covered trees this year.  I love the way the snow coats the needles, softening the evergreen to a muted tone. I also spotted a few fun patterns and "winks" in nature that made me smile. 

My eagle friend was back in his high perch. After a handful of visits to see him, he finally sat on a lower branch allowing me to capture him perfectly in focus. He may have been the push I needed to make the plunge and purchase the 200-600. When we return for the holiday weekend, I’ll be armed with a longer reach.

We took one afternoon to visit Sun Mountain for a snowshoe through the areas that had been burned during awful wildfires in summer of 2020.  I'm hopeful to return for a hike this summer and see how the area is recovering.  Wildflowers are often prolific following a wildfire.

We’re returning to the Methow Valley for the long holiday weekends this winter and I’m looking forward to more time in this fairytale place.